Landscaping

Port staff participate in community events to help improve public areas and share information about organic landscaping

Seattle's Seaport: Landscaping without Chemicals

In 1998, the Port began an ambitious program to convert to pesticide-free and synthetic fertilizer-free landscaping at our Seaport, adopting a 100% organic approach to properties maintenance.

The cost and labor required for the organic program is comparable and the benefits are enormous:

Less maintenance required
Reduced public exposure to toxic chemicals at shoreline access sites
Reduced potential for ground water contamination
Reduced employee exposure to chemicals

The Port's Terminal 102 is a good example of the new practice in action. An inadequate irrigation system was replaced and poor turf was replaced with drought-tolerant or native species. Boulders and logs were used in the landscape design for low maintenance and a Northwest look and feel.

Recycling: A Key Part of Port Landscaping

The Seaport recycles nearly all the landscape waste from more than 70 acres of Port parks, bike trails and public areas.

Instead of using toxic chemicals to eliminate weeds, Port crews recycle woody debris into woodchip mulch, and periodically use a torch to control weed growth.

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